Steve Smith will always be my favorite Panther. I'm sure many of you feel the same way. He's individually won more games for the Panthers than any other player. His attitude is contagious not only on the field but off it. No player has meant more to the franchise than him. If he wins a Superbowl in the few remaining seasons he has left (should he miraculously stay with the Panthers or he wins one with another team) - there's no doubt in my mind he's a Hall of Famer.

That said, things have changed in Carolina. There's a new emphasis on winning over loyalty. Let's face it, Steve Smith has lost a few steps. He's lost that initial burst of speed that could turn a 10 yard catch into a 50 yard TD. While he's still a solid receiver, he's making the money that 27 year old Steve Smith would have made. He'll be 35 when the season starts and in all likelihood his stats will continue to decrease. He's not the same game-changing superstar he once was. Sure he might go have a respectable season should he go somewhere else, but I understand if the Panthers decide to cut him. It's hard not to get emotional about it because Steve Smith is the best Panther player ever.

Everyone knows this day was coming - it's just a shame to see Smith's exit may not be on his terms. Let's just give respect to the best Panther player of all time and wish him the best. He's entertained us for over a decade and that's what he deserves. No hate for Gettleman either - he's trying to do what's best for the team long term, and I also respect that.

Steve Smith will always be my favorite Panther. I'm sure many of you feel the same way. He's individually won more games for the Panthers than any other player. His attitude is contagious not only on the field but off it. No player has meant more to the franchise than him. If he wins a Superbowl in the few remaining seasons he has left (should he miraculously stay with the Panthers or he wins one with another team) - there's no doubt in my mind he's a Hall of Famer.

That said, things have changed in Carolina. There's a new emphasis on winning over loyalty. Let's face it, Steve Smith has lost a few steps. He's lost that initial burst of speed that could turn a 10 yard catch into a 50 yard TD. While he's still a solid receiver, he's making the money that 27 year old Steve Smith would have made. He'll be 35 when the season starts and in all likelihood his stats will continue to decrease. He's not the same game-changing superstar he once was. Sure he might go have a respectable season should he go somewhere else, but I understand if the Panthers decide to cut him. It's hard not to get emotional about it because Steve Smith is the best Panther player ever.

Everyone knows this day was coming - it's just a shame to see Smith's exit may not be on his terms. Let's just give respect to the best Panther player of all time and wish him the best. He's entertained us for over a decade and that's what he deserves. No hate for Gettleman either - he's trying to do what's best for the team long term, and I also respect that.

This is basically what others have said in multiple posts in the other thread. Thx for the summary, not sure it warranted a thread of its own though.

I know. Instead of trade speculation and rumors of signing another receiver, this thread is intended to be just a thank you thread to Steve. I know a lot of people are upset about him probably leaving and I just wanted to offer up some grounding.

The only thing, and I understand that I'm not an NFL GM, is that cutting Smith would absolutely not be a good move for the team. It would clear only $2million and would take away our only weapon at WR, and yes he is still a weapon, especially if we put him in the slot. Not to mention how important he is to Cam's development as a QB and a leader, and a young receiver if we draft one. Cutting Smitty would absolutely be the worst move Gettleman has made and will ever make. It will prevent us from having any chance at not only repeating as NFC South Champs and making the playoffs, but even at having back to back winning seasons for the first time ever. We won't continue to be relevant, and it will cost Rivera his head coaching career. Bad move all around. While it's true you can't have too much loyalty, like Hurney, you also can't have no loyalty. Smitty deserves the team's and G-man's respect, which, if he gets cut, he wouldn't get.

Regardless of Smith's age he's by far the best WR on the team. Defenses has to plan against him. His leadership on the team can't immediately be replaced and he is a huge part of Cam's development. He's in Cams ear because Cam respects him. We need a number 2 or 1 to give Smith that complimentary WR he hasn't had since Moose.